On the night of December 3, 1984, an industrial disaster occurred in Bhopal. Several tons of toxic gases leaked out from the Union Carbide factory into the city, killing thousands of people. Thirty years on, as families of victims and survivors await justice, news of the death of Warren Anderson, former Union Carbide chief, who was let off after being granted bail, has cast even more gloom. It is only in seeing the plight of victims that one can truly understand the injustice done to them. In a theatre performance, We All Live in Bhopal , Bangalore-based Renegade Arts and Theatre Society in association with Visthar, a city-based trust, and Chingari Trust, Bhopal, brings the voices of survivors and the demands of activists, into focus. Written by Sudhir Selvaraj, the play debuted in Bangalore in 2012 and has since been performed in the UK and US.
David Selvaraj, director at Visthar and of We All Live in Bhopal , explains the research that went into the production: “Sudhir had earlier interned with Visthar. He had travelled to Bhopal and met survivors and activists. The play comes out of this research. The play captures different movements in the three-decade long struggle in Bhopal. The play represents the voices of two survivors Champadevi Shukla and Rasheeda Bee, founders of Chingari Trust. Two activists, Sathyu and Rachna. And one of my former students from America, who had visited Bhopal and is now a strong advocate of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in America. Sudhir also brings in the voice of Anderson.”
David says that the play is not about America bashing. “It is corporate bashing.” As for the title, We All Live in Bhopal, David says there are lessons to be derived from the incident by everyone. “The apathy towards Bhopal is appalling, there has been no accountability. There is corporate greed and horrendous environmental greed. These are common features in the rest of the country.” The team at Renegade are looking to perform to smaller groups for greater impact. A performance will be held at Atta Galatta on November 8, free entry at 7 pm and at Rangoli Metro Art Centre, MG Road on November 16, at 5 pm and 7 pm, tickets cost Rs. 200 and are available at the venue. All proceeds will go to Chingari Trust. Call: 9916739540.
